Sept. 11
SUFFERERS MAKE STRONG BELIEVERS
"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth" Lam. 3:27
This is as good as a promise. It has been good, it is good, and it
will be good for me to bear the yoke.
Early in life I had to feel the weight of conviction, and ever
since it has proved a soul-enriching burden. Should I have loved the
gospel so well had I not learned by deep experience the need of
salvation by grace? Jabez was more honorable than his brethren because
his mother bare him with sorrow, and those who suffer much in being
born unto God make strong believers in sovereign grace.
The yoke of censure is an irksome one, but it prepares a man for
future honor. He is not fit to be a leader who has not run the
gauntlet of contempt. Praise intoxicates if it be not preceded by
abuse. Men who rise to eminence without a struggle usually fall into
dishonor.
The yoke of affliction, disappointment, and excessive labor is by
no means to be sought for; but when the Lord lays it on us in our
youth it frequently develops a character which glorifies God and
blesses the Church.
Come, my soul, bow thy neck; take up thy cross. It was good for
thee when young, it will not harm thee now. For Jesus' sake, shoulder
it cheerfully.